We researched a variety of ash vacuums and considered buying factors such as suction power, capacity, design, and overall value. Our favorite is the Snow Joe 4.8-Gallon Ash Canister Vacuum Cleaner because it has an easy-to-use design that will last you through several years of use. Here are the best ash vacuums on the market. Other helpful features include a carrying handle, an inspection window to view any suction blockage, and an onboard cord and hose organizer. It has a 3.9-foot metal-reinforced hose, which is shorter than some of the other models in this roundup, but we think it’s proportionate to the overall size of the vacuum. It’s important to note that it can only pick up cold ash, which may be a drawback if you’re not willing to wait for your fireplace to fully cool down before cleaning. Despite its lack of extra nozzles or wheels, we think this ash vacuum’s basic design is ideal for homeowners who don’t need a heavy duty model and are just looking for a reliable product. This vacuum’s 5 amperage suction power is more than enough to handle the average mess of a wood stove, fireplace, or pellet stove, plus its lightweight design will make emptying it a breeze. A two-year manufacturer warranty covers any defaults in operation and design, so you can also feel good about your investment. Price at time of publish: $50 Although this vacuum attachment does come with a filter for the canister, the product listing does not specify what type of filter or how well it filters particles from the air. We wish there were more specifics offered prior to buying. This vacuum attachment also does not have a handle, which could make it difficult to carry, especially if it’s filled to the top with ash. We recommend emptying this canister after each use to preserve its effectiveness and avoid overfilling it. All in all, this attachment is a great lightweight option for households who don’t want to store a larger canister vacuum. It’s also very simple to use and maintain, which is always a plus for household appliances. Price at time of publish: $30 This vacuum comes with two reusable filters—so you always have a clean one ready to use—plus a crevice attachment, brush nozzle, pellet stove hose, and adapter. The pellet stove hose is especially useful in clearing out a pellet stove with a small ashtray or compartment. Although we appreciate this vacuum’s functionality like its powerful amperage and quiet operation, we wish there was a way to empty it from the bottom, rather than having to flip it over to release the ash. We think emptying this vacuum will be easier if you have an extra set of hands available to flip it over while you scoop out the contents. Price at time of publish: $120 Despite this model’s portable design, it’s still heavier than other options in this list. This model’s weight is certainly not a deal-breaker but it is a good spec to note for users with limited mobility. We also recognize that this vacuum is more expensive than our splurge pick because of its multipurpose design as a shop vacuum and ash vacuum. However we still think it’s a great investment vacuum that you can be sure will last many years. Price at time of publish: $130 As much as we love this vacuum’s design, it is only able to pick up cool ashes, so you cannot clean up your fireplace or fire pit until the day after it has extinguished. This model is also expensive—a common thread among larger multifunctional shop vacuums—so you may decide that you don’t need all of the features it offers. However, it does have a large drain port, so you can easily empty liquid contents out of its 12-gallon canister. Price at time of publish: $129 A built-in rear blower port allows you to turn the vacuum’s hose into a blower for outdoor messes such as clearing out leaves in your firepit before use. This vacuum is also set on top of caster wheels, so you can easily slide it to and from its storage place. Be sure to remove the dust bag and cartridge filter from this vacuum before cleaning up wet messes, as this model does not come with a separate wet filter. Price at time of publish: $152 The filter is also compatible with both wet and dry messes and has received a HEPA rating, so it filters out even the smallest of particles from the air. We recommend emptying this vacuum after every use to be sure it doesn’t become full mid-cleaning. While its size and capacity may be deceiving, this vacuum could become one of your favorite cleaning tools for your workshop and fireplace. Price at time of publish: $130 There are only two drawbacks to this vacuum’s design: its price and weight. This vacuum is the heaviest option in our roundup and its carrying handle appears flimsier than some of the other designs we researched. This is also the most expensive vacuum on our list, but we feel that its design and performance, which specifically caters to pellet stoves, justifies its higher price point. All in all, you can expect high performance and filtration from this ash vacuum that’s sure to last many years. Price at time of publish: $255 We’re impressed with the two-stage industrial motor that ensures long-lasting, consistent performance for many years. A separate wet filter is also included as well as a sealable tear-resistant dust collection bag for easy cleanup. Our only concern with this vacuum is its size, which would make it difficult to store in a smaller home or tool shed. However, if you have the storage space and are looking for a model that guarantees strong filtration, this option is definitely worth considering. Price at time of publish: $122
What to Look for in Ash Vacuums
Size and Capacity
You should consider the context of where and how you’ll be using an ash vacuum to determine the size and capacity you’ll need. There are portable and lightweight ash vacuums available with capacities as small as 2 gallons, but most standard ash vacuums range from 4 to 8 gallons in capacity. A portable ash vacuum is a great choice for families who camp frequently and want a reliable option for cleaning up their campfire. Most homes that just use their fireplaces or fire pits during the winter will fare fine with a 4-gallon ash vacuum. If you find yourself in need of a vacuum with a larger capacity, a wet-dry shop vacuum may be your best option as some models also double as blowers for cleaning up other messes.
Engine and Power
Most ash vacuums are listed with their amperage to offer consumers an idea of the amount of electricity flowing through the vacuum. While amperage does not directly relate to cleaning power or suction, it can be used to compare the input power of different vacuums. A vacuum that has an amperage closer to 10 will likely be more powerful than a vacuum that measures at 5 amps. The Wet-dry vacuums are sometimes listed with a “water lift” rating, which refers to their sealed suction power, or how much resistance it can handle within the cleaner while the motor is sealed off. Generally speaking, the more water lift, the better a vacuum’s overall suction will be.
Construction and Durability
You want to look for an ash vacuum that’s constructed from fire-resistant materials, especially if it’s advertised as capable of holding warm ashes. Some ash vacuums come with reinforced metal hoses that are designed to handle warm embers and most ash vacuums have metal or metal-lined canisters.
Portability
Most ash vacuums are designed with a top handle, which helps when transporting them to be emptied. Ash vacuums are also available with caster wheels, especially when they have higher capacities. A vacuum with caster wheels is a great option if you want the vacuum to easily drag behind you as you clean. You should also check the weight listing to be sure the vacuum you choose is comfortable to carry if you have to walk a distance to properly dispose of your fireplace’s ashes.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Emma Phelps is an Updates Writer for The Spruce who has over two years of experience writing about home decor, home improvement, and home design. For this roundup, Emma researched the latest models of ash vacuums and considered popular brands. She looked at each vacuum’s capacity, power, and safety mechanisms while constructing the final list you see in this roundup. Before Emma wrote for The Spruce, she covered similar topics while writing at Southern Living.
